$1.6 million for conservation projects

Conservation Permit program funds 79 projects

SALT LAKE CITY — $1.6 million from Utah's Conservation Permit program will be put into projects that benefit the state's wildlife. Money from the hunting permits will fund conservation projects throughout Utah.

Bighorn sheep transplants are one of many projects that have received funding through the conservation permit program.

Photo by Rick Olson

Each year, wildlife conservation groups in Utah auction conservation permits at their fund-raising banquets. At least 90 percent of the money raised must be used for Division of Wildlife Resources-approved projects that benefit Utah's wildlife.

DWR biologists and representatives from the conservation groups met recently to decide which projects to fund. Altogether, 79 projects were chosen.

The conservation projects vary from habitat restoration to biological studies. An elk movement study, winter range improvement for turkeys and big game, bighorn sheep transplants and guzzler placements are among the projects that will receive funding this year.